[PLUG] Pocket Print servers

Daniel Petcher daniel_petcher at yahoo.com
Mon Dec 22 10:03:01 UTC 2003


--- Robert Kopp <iconoklastic at yahoo.com> wrote:
> I have a LAN that presently has two computers; the
> smallest possible, by definition. Anyhow, the "print
> server" is not always turned on. A pocket print server
> would take care of this problem, and many of them are
> under $100.
> 
> Would this be a good idea, or are they a lot of
> trouble? If a good idea, does anyone have
> recommendations as to which one to choose?
> 
> =====
> Robert "Tim" Kopp
> http://analytic.tripod.com/

I've used HP JetDirect, Netgear NetPrint, and somebody else's NetPrint
500. The instructions are usually geared towards Windoze or Novell, but
there's often enough info there to make educated guesses about Linux
performance. In my experience, one's as good as the next. Some have
HTTP user interfaces, while others have telnet interfaces.

There are parallel, RS232-Serial, USB, and 802.11 wireless-compatible
print servers out there at a variety of prices. Google for Ethernet
Print Server and you'll see a variety. When I last shopped for them,
some manufacturers were warning customers that bi-directional support
of multi-finction (print/scan/fax/copy) is not supported, so these
devices will only print via the network wire.

Watch-out for printer-sharing switches that just happen to use wires
with RJ-45 connectors, but don't actually speak any variety of
Ethernet. Extended Systems makes some of these. I almost bought one at
FreeGeek last week before I remembered that it wasn't really Ethernet.
They're nice for offices that don't want a real network for some
reason, but be careful that you don't buy one of these thinking you're
getting a real Ethernet Print Server.


=====
---
Daniel Petcher
Daniel_Petcher at yahoo.com
http://folding.stanford.edu - the brain you save could be your own

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